Suspected Hate Crime in Vaughan
July 21, 2014
The City of Vaughan has issued the following statement.
The City of Vaughan has issued the following statement.
On Sunday, July 20, the Jaffari Community Centre at 9000 Bathurst St. was vandalized with messages of a hateful nature that had been spray painted on a sidewalk and a sign. York Regional Police are investigating the incident as a hate crime.
“This type of vandalism is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated in our community,” said Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua. “Vaughan is committed to promoting tolerance and respect for everyone in our multicultural City. We view our diversity as one of our greatest strengths and are unified in the belief that acceptance and understanding will continue to move this city forward.”
“It is disappointing to see this kind of vandalism in our community,” said Ward 4 Councillor Sandra Yeung Racco. “Vaughan is a very diverse city that promotes and celebrates inclusivity. I condemn this kind of behaviour and will work to build a tolerant and diverse community that respects everyone.”
The City of Vaughan passed an anti-graffiti by-law in 2009. Under the by-law, anyone convicted of an offence is liable on the first conviction to a fine of not less than $400 and not more than $20,000, and on subsequent convictions to a fine of not less than $400 and not more than $50,000.
The City’s website states: “Graffiti can offend or hurt individuals when it is obscene, racist, or derogatory towards a person or a community. Graffiti of this nature is considered a hate crime and should be reported to York Regional Police.”
Additional information on graffiti is available on the City's website at www.vaughan.ca.